During the initial stage of data collection, we found that the custom of eating Jian Dui during the Dragon Boat Festival in Lukang has continued from early agricultural society to the present day, becoming an important cultural memory.

First, we observed from news reports and local event information that, with increased media coverage in recent years, Jian Dui has gradually become an important cultural feature of Lukang’s Dragon Boat Festival.

Local governments, such as the Changhua County Government and Lukang Township Office, often organize Jian Dui making activities or distribute it during festival events. This has transformed Jian Dui from a homemade snack into a symbolic festive food.

Lukang is known for its many temples, often described as “one small temple every three steps and one large temple every five steps.” On the Dragon Boat Festival, people make Jian Dui and offer it to the gods in temples. As temples serve as community centers, Jian Dui has become not only food but also part of a religious ritual for blessing.

Through interviews with family elders, one grandmother said, “Yes, I took you to get Jian Dui before. Don’t you remember?” We learned that local residents generally believe that eating Jian Dui is an essential part of celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival.

This custom is closely connected to the legend of Nuwa Mending the Sky, giving Jian Dui the symbolic meaning of praying for clear weather and a safe and peaceful life.

Compared with other areas in Taiwan where similar customs have gradually disappeared, Lukang still maintains this tradition. Based on our initial observations, we believe that media promotion, temple culture, and local identity may all contribute to the continuation of this custom.